Page 9 of His One and Only Lady

She’d chosen her words with care, but Theran couldn’t shake the instinct that she referred to Bernadine.

He was already late for the game of cricket he’d been coerced into playing by Everingham and Hemsworth. Nonetheless, courtesy dictated he hear what Miss Mayfield had to say.

Nodding, he adjusted Bernadine in his arms. “I know the house well, as it is my aunt and uncle’s. We can be assured of privacy in my aunt’s personal salon. Please allow me to return Bernadine to my sister-in-law’s care—”

“No, Papa. No!” Bernadine buried her face in his neck and tightened her hold around his neck so tight that she nearly strangled him. “Please don’t make me go with her. Ple-ase,” she said in a tormented whisper.

Tension throttled through Theran.

My God. What had happened to terrify Bernadine so?

“That is what I wish to speak with you about.” Miss Mayfield’s attention shifted to behind him, and her features tightened even more. Her pretty eyes narrowed in a distinct challenge, and she pulled her full mouth into a prim, disapproving line.

“You’ve found her, Theran,” Athena said behind him in dulcet tones.

He turned as she approached.

Her pale pink gown, sprinkled with tiny white rosebuds, complemented her fair beauty. She knew it too, from the manner in which she postured. “Thank the Lord, the darling is all right.”

You must use whatever means necessary to get Theran to propose, daughter. It’s been eight months since you moved to Atherley Hall. Whatever is taking so long? I know you cannot abide that child, but once you’re wed, she can be sent to a school in Switzerland until she’s of marriageable age.

Our financial straits have become most dire. Dire, I tell you!

Creditors are threatening us with debtor’s prison. I vow, your stepfather doesn’t have the business sense of a beetle anymore. All of those imprudent investments… What a fool I was to marry him for financial security. The old fraud was not as plush in the pockets as I’d been led to believe.

He’s not been the same since Imogene’s death, and you and I must take matters into our own hands. If you must, get Theran drunk and seduce him. He’s a man. They all are barbarians under their starched neckcloths.

I needn’t remind you that you’re not getting any younger, and your prospects are dismal without a dowry. You’re clever and cunning, Athena. After all, you’re my daughter.

Do what you must, and do it quickly.

~Mrs. Albertina Bambrick,

in a letter to her daughter, Athena Sommerville

Still on the Mumfords’ lawn

Fifteen extremely uncomfortable seconds later

For the first time in Purity’s life, she itched to slap another person. Hands clenched until her nails bit into her palms, she forced herself to take a deep, stabilizing breath and gripped her composure firmly. That didn’t stop her from wishing the good Lord would smite Athena whatever-her-surname-was into ashes.

She’d repent for her uncharitable thoughts when she said her evening prayers.

In point of fact, as incensed as Purity was, it might take several bouts of prayer to get the job done properly. Thankfully, the Lord was merciful and forgiving if one repented.

That might be the greater challenge, in truth.

“Miss Mayfield, permit me to introduce my sister-in-law, Miss Athena Sommerville. Athena has graciously acted as Bernadine’s nurse and governess until I hire a replacement for her former nurse.”

Not his betrothed then.

Thank God.

The fabric of Mr. Rutland’s navy-blue riding coat pulled taut across his broad shoulders as he angled toward his sister-in-law. He towered over her, and even Purity, considered tall for a woman at five feet nine inches herself, had to look up to meet his probing gaze. The sun glinted off his raven hair as he drew his hawkish eyebrows together over an aquiline nose.

Inarguably handsome, Mr. Rutland also bore an air of disenchantment—or perhaps cynicism better described him.

Why Purity should care so much about a child she just met or that the little girl’s father was not affianced to Miss Sommerville escaped rationale. Or why she should poke her nose into another family’s business.